by Thomas Hedlund

Frode Hamre-trained Stoletheshow (Dream Vacation) paired with Magnus A. Djuse was the answer to the question regarding what horse would get the pink ticket to the Elitloppet that went with the winner of the $240,000 Finlandia-ajo held at Vermo racetrack on Sunday afternoon (May 7).

The race became a tactical game where Djuse played his cards best.

Global Withdrawl flew to the front as the car left the field and Djuse was quick to leave three-wide, aiming for the position first over while favorite Don Fanucci Zet was seen far back in the field.

The drivers behind the two front horses, Global Withdrawl and Stoletheshow ,were surely satisfied when the pace slowed down dramatically during the race’s mid-part and when attacks were made from behind, Stoletheshow let the leader get a length advantage throughout the last turn. But Djuse felt chased by Alessandro Gocciadoro’s Bengurion Jet, who was stuck between horses, so Djuse just made sure that he could have control over the toughest opponents as the field reached the home stretch.

Stoletheshow made a strong first over effort in the Finlandia-ajo and came home in 1:53.3. Bengurion Jet got his chance too late between horses but saved the silver medal while leader Global Withdrawl held to third place.

Replay here

Daniel Redén-trained Hail Mary (Googoo Gaagaa) will compete in the 2023 Elitloppet . The runner-up from the 2022 final secured his spot in Solvalla’s big mile race when he won the $18,000 Meadow Roads race at Solvalla on Wednesday night (May 10). The winner of the race receives an invitation to the Elitloppet and it was really a sparkling show that was played in front of the audience.

Adrian Kolgjini-trained Ultion Face hit the lead, got fired up and held a high pace (:55 for the first half mile), but could still get some lengths advantage as he reached the stretch. By that time, chasers Brother Bill and Hail Mary had a long way to walk if they were going to catch the leader, but as the wire got closer, Ultion Face’s power began to run out and Brother Bill and Hail Mary fought side by side during the race’s last 100 meters. The photo showed that Hail Mary had his nose first at the wire and the 7-year-old Googoo Gaagaa son won in 1:51.1, the fastest time in Europe so far in 2023.

STRONG FIELD IN CAEN

Etonnant, Horsy Dream and Hohneck, all invited to the Elitloppet at Solvalla on May 28, will compete in the $165,000 Prix des Ducs de Normandie in Caen, France, on Saturday (May 13).

The distance in the race is 2,450 meters and it’s a strong 16-horse field that will go to Normandie.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, the $110,000 Copenhagen Cup over 1.3 miles is scheduled on Sunday (May 14) and another Elitloppet horse will try to find his best condition in that race. Per Nordström’s Önas Prince will probably be favored to win this year’s edition of the Copenhagen Cup but there are some interesting opponents to look out for. The 5-year-old Iznogoud Am is one of them from post four, while Önas Prince got post seven. It will surely be a great show in Denmark.

COPENHAGEN CUP 2023

2,011 meters

Horse — Driver

1. Toto Barosso — Jörgen Sjunnesson

2. Iceland Falls — Magnus A Djuse

3. Calle Crown — Björn Goop

4. Iznogoud Am — Erik Adielsson

5. Zeudi Amg — Alessandro Gocciadoro

6. E Type Cash — Flemming Jensen

7. Önas Prince — Per Nordström

8. Ce Bello Romain — Jules van der Putte Jr

9. Seven Nation Army — Bo Westergård

10. Hell Patrol — Magnus Teien Gundersen